Sutton has fractured right thumb

DETROIT -- Not only did the Ducks begin the season with a one-sided loss to Detroit on Friday night but they learned that defenseman Andy Sutton has a fractured right thumb after he injured himself in the second period.

No timetable on his possible return was given as the club said he will be re-evaluated Saturday either in Nashville or back in Anaheim if he is sent home. Sutton was wearing a cast afterward and wasn't available for comment.

Sutton hurt his hand as he was throwing a couple of punches at ex-Duck Ruslan Salei when he got into a brief tussle with the Red Wings defenseman during a scrum in front of the benches. It was his first game with the Ducks after signing a two-year contract with the team over the summer.

It is a big blow to a defense full of question marks. But it figure to serve as a big opportunity for 20-year-old Luca Sbisa, who was scratched Friday.

"It's a terrible thing to happen first game into the season," Sbisa said. "The guy prepares all summer to have a great year. You definitely don't want to see those things happen. Especially to a key guy like Sutts. He's a key person, especially in the penalty kill."

Sbisa said he's looking forward to his chance, albeit at the expense of a veteran expected to be a bedrock on the blue line.

"It's a big loss for us," he said. "On the other hand, it's an opportunity for me again. To sit out this game, I wasn't happy about it. Hopefully I'll have a chance tomorrow to show them I'm able to play in this league."

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